Archived News for Human Resource Professionals
Australian workers waste one third of their time at work, costing their employees an estimated loss of about $109 billion according to Ernst & Young’s Productivity Pulse survey.
According to the survey, which canvassed almost 2,500 employees, only fifty-eight per cent of the working day contributes any “real value” to their employer.
24 per cent of the day is spent on networking, personal development and other ‘organisational curricular activities’ that are important to both employer and employee.
Study of workplace depression released
A new investigation into the treatment of depression is underway at the Griffith Health Institute, with a focus on depression in the workplace.
Government opens Pilbara to skilled migrants
The Federal Government has approved the first Enterprise Migration Agreement (EMA), granting permission to the new iron ore mining Roy Hill to seek skilled overseas labour.
SA unions support protection for older workers in WorkCover bill
South Australian unions are throwing their support behind a Greens' plan to make sure older workers over 65 are covered by workers' compensation.
Hydro blames carbon tax for impending smelter closure
Norsk Hydro has announced it is considering ceasing its operations at its Kurri Kurri aluminium plant following the curtailing of three pot lines in January this year, citing the effects of the Federal Government's carbon tax.
Randstad Awards recognise top employers
Gold mining company Newcrest Mining has been nominated as Australia's most attractive employer for 2012 at the second annual awards of international recruitment firm Randstad.
Security industry records huge lift in compliance levels
The Fair Work Ombudsman has welcomed a ‘significant increase’ in compliance rates with workplace law within the security industry following a second round of audits.
ACTU pushes for minimum wage increase
The Australian Council of Trade Unions has urged Fair Work Australia to rule in favour of a proposed increase to the minimum wage.
NSW Business Chamber warns against premium increase
The New South Wales Business Chamber has warned that over 12,600 jobs could disappear from the state economy if workers’ compensation premiums are allowed to increase by the projected 28 per cent.
Qantas announces job cuts
Qantas has announced it has completed a review of its heavy aircraft maintenance and engineering operations in Australia, concluding it will consolidate all heavy maintenance work into Brisbane and Avalon, with all such work finishing at Tullamarine by August.
Top LGBT employers lauded
Winners of the awards were determined using Pride in Diversity’s Australian Workplace Equality Index, that evaluates and benchmarks LGBT inclusiveness in the country’s workplaces.
Gender pay inequality persists
Recent data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has found that the gender pay disparity continues to persist in Australia, with women, on average, earning 17.4 per cent less than their male counterparts.
Greens demand action on workplace bullying
The ACT Greens have released the results of their ACT Workplace Bullying Survey, finding that workplace bullying is rife in most workplaces.
WA Government supports minimum wage increase
The Western Australian Government’s submission to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission’s State Wage Case has recommended the State minimum wage be increased in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
APS figures show 1.7% growth in 2011
The Australian Public Service Commission has released its snAPShot summary of employment for the calendar year to December 31, 2011.
NSW inquiry into workers compensation
The NSW parliamentary inquiry into workers compensation, undertaken by a Joint Select Committee established on May 2, is underway.
Government announces disability employment contracts
The Federal Government has announced future contracts for the Disability Employment Services-Employment Support Service, which will run for the next five years.
AI Group urges caution over wage increase
The Australian Industry Group (AI Group) has urged the Minimum Wage Panel to take a cautious approach to the upcoming Annual Wage Review, saying that any changes could potentially damage non-mining sectors.
Business Travel to Australia increasing
Australia is fast becoming a destination for work, as well as play, with new Tourism Research Australia (TRA) figures estimating $10 billion was spent in 2011 by business event visitors.
Maternity care causes issues for mums
Global charity and advocacy group, Save the Children, has published its annual report into the quality of life for mothers, showing that Australia’s ranking has slipped, precipitated by a lack of quality maternity leave.
Limits placed on ETP tax offset
The Government has announced it will limit the availability of the employment termination payment (ETP) tax offset.